"I have to find a way in the selection of this individual to make sure he has enough background that we can get our best 11 players on the field whether it be 4-3, 3-4 or whatever it is," Schottenheimer said. "In a perfect world, I'd like to play bump-and-run all over the field and disrupt the timing of the passing game. That's been good to us in the past."

Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Vince Tobin also is expected to be interviewed, though no date has been set.

Hiring Cottrell could prove difficult. He has been linked to the top jobs in Buffalo and Houston. Cottrell might be tied up another two weeks before those jobs are resolved, and Schottenheimer said he won't wait long for any candidate's decision.

After hiring most of his offensive staff in recent days, Schottenheimer is concentrating on the defensive side before lastly selecting a special teams coach. Schottenheimer said he doesn't know Tobin or Cottrell well and might consider other candidates.

"I won't be any more involved in [defense] than the offense," said Schottenheimer, who has a defensive background. "I'm in the middle of everything, including special teams. I've generally tried to focus on whichever side of the ball might need more input."

Meanwhile, Schottenheimer said he'll choose either Miami's Paul Boudreau or the Jets' Bill Muir as the offensive line coach by tomorrow.

"I need to sit down and have my thoughts all organized so I can get the right things in place," Schottenheimer said.

Muir interviewed yesterday after meeting Tuesday with the Carolina Panthers. The Jets also may wish to retain him, though they gave Muir permission to seek another job while resolving their head coach opening.

"I've been an admirer of Marty's," Muir said. "I respect what he's accomplished at Cleveland and Kansas City, and I expect him to do that here and more."

Muir spent the last six years with New York after stops in Philadelphia (1992 to 1994), Indianapolis (1989 to 1991), Detroit (1985 to 1988) and New England (1982 to 1984). Muir also has coached in the World Football League, Continental Football League and at four colleges.

Muir said he mostly seeks consistency in offensive linemen.

"I look for a bunch of guys that will be the same people every day, every game," he said. "As long as I know what their strong points are, I can plan. [The Redskins] have two excellent young tackles [in Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels], and Tre Johnson if he stays healthy will be a formidable guard."